SD2955. Frances Elinor Colvile to Jane Maria Strachey

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 379–380 (in part).

8. Rutland Gate

Feb. 10th \ 68

Dear Janie,

I have been dawdling most horridly all the afternoon …

Friday evening we went to the R.I. & heard Huxley. James liked it—thought he was very fair, & put his case very well, but he did not think there was much proof as yet. This is upon the connexion between birds & reptiles. They are widely different now but he thinks if we could go back far enough we should find the missing links. They have found two. James thinks that too little, to make much proof. … I saw just as it was over the divine Robert—who came at once to shake hands most cordially. I had not time for much then, tho’ we did take him in our carriage to Hyde Park & there put him in a cab, but I found we were to meet at the de Mussys last night. We had accordingly a most pleasant evening there. Halle dined with them, & the usual set collected to hear him play, Sartorises, Benzons, Leighton, Dickie Doyle, Millais, Val. Prinsep &c. I sat most of the evening at the piano, next to Mr Browning! You can picture it—Halle was very goodnatured & played beautifully.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: India Office Records.

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